There is nothing better than an invigorating walk with the family to start off the New Year.

And New Hampshire State Parks annually offers families and friends the opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a free organized hike on January 1, 2016.

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Free, guided and self-guided hikes are offered in Lancaster, Portsmouth, Hollis, and Jaffrey.

Visitors to First Day Hike can explore historic sites, state parks and even enjoy pet friendly hikes.

LANCASTER

At Weeks State Park, bring your dog.

For the second year in a row Weeks State Park will be hosting a dog-friendly hike. Bring your four legged friend along for a casual hike up the Mt. Prospect auto road.

The hike is a moderate 3.2 mile round-trip and should take approximately two hours.

Join park staff and friends to the Weeks State Park Association for an interpretive hike up the auto road at noon and learn about the local birds and alpine plants.

You may also explore the auto road at your leisure.

At the summit, guests will gather around a fire to enjoy a warm drink and healthy snack while listening to Rachel Bruce, Park Manager and Weeks Association members interpret the historical significance of the property.

Onsite registration is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.

PORTSMOUTH

The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site will host a hike.

Join park staff and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, land stewards, for a guided natural history tour of the Little Harbor Loop Trail. Considered an easy hike, the trail is 1.5 mile long and should take approximately one to one and a half hours.

Guides will be present to share the natural history of the abutting Creek Farm.

Watch shorebirds on the tidal flats, discover a tidal pool and enjoy the many varieties of tree and plants that highlight Creek Farm as a unique coastal habitat.

Visitors should feel free to take a map and walk at their own pace while exploring the beauty of the Little Harbor Loop Trail.

After the hike, enjoy a warm drink and snack inside the parks visitor center.

Pets are not allowed at Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site.Onsite registration is from noon to 2 p.m. and the event begins at 12:45 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

HOLLIS

At Silver Lake State Park, join Beaver Brook Nature Center and park staff for a guided hike or explore the trails on your own.

The tour will investigate the nature loop on the state park property overlooking Silver Lake then venture into Hollis Conservation Land in the Woodmont Orchard.

Afterward, stop by the campfire near the beach for some snacks and warm beverages.

In the event of snow, Beaver Brook will supply snowshoes.

Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.Onsite registration is from noon to 2 p.m. The event begins at 12:45 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

JAFFREY

At Monadnock State Park, join Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests land stewards and park staff for a three-mile hike along the Parker Trail to the Little Mountain Viewpoint.

This will take about three hours to hike.

For those looking for a more leisurely hike, enjoy a two-mile hike along the relatively flat terrain of the Parker Trail to the Cliff Walk junction and back this hike should take approximately two hours.

After the hike, take part in a warm drink and snack while warming up next to the fire.

Sorry pets are not allowed at Monadnock State Park.Onsite registration from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.